At Innovate Wexford Park, Information Bulletin
50th anniversary celebrations for 1968 hurling team
A civic reception will be hosted by Wexford Borough Council in conjunction with Wexford GAA on Friday 14 September in County Hall and Uachtarán CLG, John Horan, will be in attendance. A video reel with footage and press cuttings from the 1968 win is being prepared by Ed Rowsome and a replica jersey will be presented to each player, or their representatives, on the night. It was agreed that the Wexford victorious minor team, the St. Peter’s College team and the senior Camogie All-Ireland winning team from 1968 would be honoured in Innovate Wexford Park on county final days.
Boston Super 11s
The Wexford senior hurlers have been invited to participate in the Boston Super 11s and will departing on 16 November and return on 20 November. The other counties invited are Cork, Clare and Limerick and the Commercial Steering Committee intends to organise a fundraiser event during the trip to Boston
Centre of Excellence
The current phase of fit-out works at the Halo Tiles Ferns Centre of Excellence is almost complete with Friday 14 September as the target completion date. This will now facilitate the drawing-down of the €200k grant that has been payable for some time. It was noted that the pitches will be closed towards the end of September to facilitate draining and sanding works. Additional traffic signage is required at the entrance and there will also be a need for more structured staffing support at the Centre, especially as the gym comes on-stream. A range of options including CE / Tús / RSS etc will be examined in this regard.
It was also agreed that healthy food / snacks (plus hot drinks) vending machine options should be explored for the Centre of Excellence given the heavy footfall there now.
Other infrastructure
A problem with sliotars leaving the ground in Bellefield and posing a potential risk to passing cars has been reported and will be examined. It was also noted that the pitch surface in Innovate Wexford Park is not in optimal condition at the moment due to a grass disease and the matter is being looked into. It was also noted that the generator in St. Patrick’s Park is in need of repair.
Meetings with key stakeholders on the development of a full strength and conditioning programme for all our county squads have been held in recent weeks and it is intended to have such a programme in place for all squads from under 14 upwards, in both codes, for 2019. The bulk of the necessary gym equipment is already in place which means that the overall cost of such a programme would be in the region of €25,000. The Commercial Manager will explore the possibilities to attract sponsorship for this programme. The S&C programme will also aim to work with the key schools to deliver much of the programme in school gyms and the completion of the Centre of Excellence gym will be a big boost too
Kilanerin / Tara Rocks and Independent Teams
It was agreed that Tara Rocks and Kilanerin would be invited to a future meeting to discuss their position going forward vis a vis continued operation of independent teams drawn from the combined playing resources of both clubs.
It was also agreed that the wider issue of independent teams and, possibly, amalgamations (particularly among rural clubs) at both adult and underage levels needs to be specifically addressed. It was decided to establish a small working group to carry out a survey and to examine the reasons why independent teams are happening more commonly every year. On completion of this work it is intended to set out criteria which must be met by any club requesting the creation of an independent team. Prior to the start of the championship clubs will be invited to present their case to the county committee and a decision will be made on their request following this presentation.
It was agreed that a particular issue this group should look at is whether there should be a minimum age below which independent teams should not occur. It was agreed that a number of clubs are struggling with reduced playing numbers and there is an important role for the Coiste Bainistíochta in providing support and advice to such clubs. In the longer-term, club amalgamations could be on the agenda but the priority now must be to help clubs with structures, coaching etc to maximise their potential. It was noted that iar-Uachtarán Liam O’Neill will shortly be meeting with the clubs in Wexford town to kick-start a review process that seeks to improve playing numbers etc in the Wexford urban area.
Wexford GAA President
It was agreed that Michael Kinsella would be recommended to the forthcoming Wexford County Counvention for the role of Wexford GAA President for the next 2 years
Fixtures
The Cathaoirleach advised that he will select a small group of people to analyse and make recommendations on the current fixtures programme and that this would lead to a discussion document on potential changes and improvements for tabling at County Board
Finance
It was agreed that the following grants from funds raised by Cairde Loch Garman could be paid: €2,500 each to camogie and to ladies’ football and €1,000 to handball with the latter organisation to hold its annual bucket collection at the senior hurling semi-finals. It was also agreed to levy a charge of €5 per car for entry to the forthcoming Under 11 blitz in the Centre of Excellence to help cover the costs of medals, trophies and other logistics.
Other business
Preparations for Congress 2019 in Wexford are under way.
Selectors are required for the Under 20 hurling and football teams and also for the minor (U17) football team.
It was noted that Bobby Goff and David Tobin will attend an upcoming Event Control Management course.
